Four months. One tear. And now — finally — light at the end of the tunnel.
Kevin De Bruyne’s injury nightmare is almost over.
The Napoli midfielder, sidelined since late October with a serious high-grade bicep femoris tear, has taken a decisive step toward his long-awaited comeback — and the countdown is officially on.
The Injury That Stopped Everything
It was October 25 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
De Bruyne had just scored from the penalty spot against Inter. Moments later, disaster struck.
A sharp pain in his right thigh.
A high-grade muscle tear.
And nearly four months out.
For Napoli — and for Antonio Conte — it was a brutal blow during a critical stretch of the season.
The Belgian hasn’t featured since.
Until now.
The Return Begins
On Monday, February 23, De Bruyne was back at Napoli’s Castel Volturno training base.
Not full training. Not match fitness.
But back.
Working in the gym. Smiling. Moving forward.
For a player who has endured months of rehabilitation and frustration, it’s a huge psychological breakthrough.
Napoli, however, are refusing to rush anything.
The club is determined to avoid any relapse. No shortcuts. No unnecessary risks.
This is a controlled rebuild.
What De Bruyne Said
When he landed at Naples’ Capodichino airport over the weekend, journalists were waiting.
His message?
Short. Calm. Encouraging.
A man who knows he’s close.
According to Sky Sport (via CalcioMercato), De Bruyne could rejoin full group training as early as next week — the final hurdle before competitive action.
And once he trains fully with the squad, the selection conversation begins.
When Could He Play?
If recovery continues smoothly, three realistic return dates are being targeted:
📅 Napoli vs Torino – Weekend of March 8
📅 Napoli vs Lecce – Following weekend
📅 Cagliari vs Napoli – March 21–22
The home clash with Torino is currently viewed as the most likely.
Four months out.
One final push to go.
Why This Matters
De Bruyne isn’t just another midfielder.
He’s leadership.
Creativity.
Big-game composure.
Even after the injury, his influence remains enormous inside the dressing room.
Napoli have managed without him — but they haven’t replaced him.
And with the season entering its decisive phase, his return could be the difference between competing… and conquering.
The nightmare isn’t over yet.
But it’s ending.
And if all goes to plan, March will mark the rebirth of one of Europe’s most complete midfielders.
Napoli fans have waited four long months.
Now, they’re counting days.
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